After participation in the West Florida Regional Library System since the 1960's, the Santa Rosa County Library System officially became an independent system on October 1, 2006. Since this time, Santa Rosa County Libraries have experienced record growth:

* From October 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007, customers borrowed more than 174,344 items from locations in Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, and Navarre, a 42 percent increase compared to the same period in 2005/2006.

* Since October 1, over 21,000 Santa Rosa County Library Cards have been issued. Of that number, nearly 12,000 were issued to students in Santa Rosa County Schools (nearly half of all students).

* Total January circulation broke previous records. Compared to January 2006, all libraries had an increase in circulation: Jay, 118 percent increase; Navarre, 83 percent increase; Gulf Breeze, 62 percent increase; and Milton, 60 percent increase.

* Each library recorded the highest circulation ever for the month of February.

If you would like to learn more about the Santa Rosa County Library System, link to http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/libr aries. The Santa Rosa County Library System is a department of the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners. Libraries are located in Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, and Navarre with the Pace library opening in April 2007.